How Gog Will Be Defeated

This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man's sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.' (Ezekiel 38:18-23 NIV)

On the day Gog invades Israel, this is what will happen to armies of the invading nations in the land of Israel:

1. There will be great earthquake in Israel;
2. The invaders will kill each other;
3. The invaders will face pestilence and bloodshed;
4. Torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulphur will fall on the invaders.

I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 39:6 ESV)

God will also send fire to judge the citizens of Magog and all the nations involved in the invasion who thought the the fighting will only be in Israel and their own countries will be safe. The mindset is something like today's war between Ukraine and Russia. Everybody send arms to Ukraine, thinking that the fighting will be confined in Ukraine and they will be safe.

At the end of the war, the whole world will know that the God of Israel is the real God because Israel will not be saved by their traditional allies, United States and European Union, but by timely natural (or supernatural) disasters.

Gog - Mentioned Before Birth

"Son of man, face Gog (גּוֹג֙), of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him and say, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: Look, I am against you, Gog (גּוֹג֙), chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (Ezekiel 38:2-3 CSB)

"Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog (גּוֹג֙), 'This is what the Lord God says: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know this and come from your place in the remotest parts of the north - you and many peoples with you, who are all riding horses - a huge assembly, a powerful army? You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog (גּוֹג֙), that I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me, when I demonstrate my holiness through you in their sight. "'This is what the Lord God says: Are you the one I spoke about in former times through my servants, the prophets of Israel, who for years prophesied in those times that I would bring you against them? Now on that day, the day when Gog (גּוֹג֙) comes against the land of Israel - this is the declaration of the Lord God - my wrath will flare up. (Ezekiel 38:14-18 CSB)

"As for you, son of man, prophesy against Gog (גּוֹג֙) and say, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: Look, I am against you, Gog (גּוֹג֙), chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (Ezekiel 39:1 CSB)

"And I will make a vast graveyard for Gog (גּוֹג֙) and his hordes in the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. It will block the way of those who travel there, and they will change the name of the place to the Valley of Gog's Hordes. (Ezekiel 39:11 NLT)

Three persons were mentioned by name in the Bible before they are born - Josiah (1 Kings 13:2), Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1) and Gog (Ezekiel 38:2-3, Ezekiel 38:14-18, Ezekiel 39:1, Ezekiel 39:11). Two has already been fulfilled and there is one more to go.

Meshech and Tubal

Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, 'This is what the Lord God says: "Behold, I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. So I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them magnificently dressed, a great contingent with shield and buckler, all of them wielding swords; Persia, Cush, and Put with them, all of them with buckler and helmet; Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops - many peoples with you. (Ezekiel 38:1-6 NASB)

And the word of the Lord came to me saying, "Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops - many peoples with you. (Ezekiel 38:1-6 NASB95)

The descendants of Japheth were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. The descendants of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. (Genesis 10:2-3 NLT)

Meshech and Tubal seems to be the main countries driving the future invasion of Israel from the north. These two countries are both ruled by Gog. He is mentioned as the chief prince. So the two countries may be in some sort of federation or the two main nations in a federation of nations. We do not really know which modern country is Meshech and Tubal. Neither do we know which countries made up Gomer and Beth-togarmah. In Genesis, they are all descendants of Japheth.

For the other nations mentioned, Persia is easily identified as Iran. Cush is south of Egypt, probably nations around the Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia region. Put is west of Egypt, probably Libya and Alegria. They are mainly Muslim countries. Also note the absence of the inner ring of Muslim nations surrounding Israel - Syria, Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinians.

If you are one of those who believe that the Hebrew word rosh (רֹ֖אשׁ) in Ezekiel 38:2-3 should be translated as the proper noun Rosh instead of the adjective "chief", then you may think that Rosh, Meshech and Tubal may be Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Maybe some guy named Gog will rise up, depose Putin, take over the war and conquer Ukraine and Belarus. After that he will launch an invasion of Israel. To be fair, Gog does sound Russian. Remember Gorbachev? What about Vincent van Gogh? Maybe Magog is Netherlands?

That is why there are some Christians in America, who do not support Russia, but think that Russia will win the war and take Ukraine. They think that Russia has to preserve its power for the invasion of Israel. And they also think that Biden cannot do anything right.

Meshech and Tubal are also mentioned in other parts of the Bible.

Meshech is mentioned in Psalm 120 as a warlike place:
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar! (Psalm 120:5 NIV)

Meshech and Tubal are mentioned in a prophecy against Tyre (Ezekiel 27:1-31) as traders of slaves and bronze:
Merchants from Greece (Javan), Tubal, and Meshech brought slaves and articles of bronze to trade with you. (Ezekiel 27:13 NLT)

Meshech and Tubal are also mentioned in a prophecy against Egypt (Ezekiel 32:17-31) as dead:
"Meshech and Tubal are there, surrounded by the graves of all their hordes. They once struck terror in the hearts of people everywhere. But now they are outcasts, all slaughtered by the sword. (Ezekiel 32:26 NLT)

More Than We Ask

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

This morning, Dr Tan Kian Lee preached that a Christian's greatest tragedy is not unanswered prayers, but unasked prayers. God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. He is not limited by us.

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10 ESV)

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

1 Corinthians 4:6-7

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV)

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: "Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn't receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn't received it? (1 Corinthians 4:6-7 CSB)

Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I've been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won't be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another. For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? (1 Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT)

God Chasten Israel

For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished. (Jeremiah 30:11 ESV)

Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the LORD, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished." (Jeremiah 46:28 ESV)

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV)

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." (Hebrews 12:6 ESV)

Believe In The Only One Who Was Resurrected

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. "Listen," he said, "we're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead." (Matthew 20:17-19 NLT)

Jesus predicted His death and resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31–33). The prophet Isaiah also predicted the death and resurrection (Isaiah 53:7-10) of the Anointed One.

Unlike many religious leaders and founders of religions who popped into history without warning, the coming of Jesus was predicted in advance in the Old Testament. He came to fulfil the prophecies in the Old Testament (Psalm 40:7-8, Hebrews 10:7).

Unlike other religious leaders who were born of a father and a mother, Jesus was born of a woman, fulfilling the first prophecy (Genesis 3:15) given in the Bible, a prophecy that was given personally by God.

Unlike other religious leaders who preached their religion and then die, Jesus died and arose on the third day.

But how can we know if the resurrection is a true event in history? The existence of Christianity is the proof that resurrection is a true event. Unlike other religions, Christianity is not started by one man's ideas. Christianity is started by a group of people who witnessed an event - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They were convinced by His resurrection that He is the Lamb of God, offered as the Saviour of the world.

The resurrection of Jesus still has an impact today. Whether you are a Christian or not a Christian, when you rest from work on Sunday, you are actually commemorating the resurrection of Christ. The pioneer generation of Christians shifted the Sabbath from the seventh day of the week to the first day of the week because Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week.

Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day." (Luke 24:5b-7 NLT)

I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am he. (John 13:19 CSB)

I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. (John 14:29 NLT)

I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. (Isaiah 46:10 CSB)

If the resurrection is true, what does it mean to you? Because Jesus was resurrected and has eternal life, those who believe in Him will be like Him. We will also be resurrected to eternal life after we die.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. (John 11:25 CSB)

Every Knee And Tongue

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; truth has gone from my mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow to me, every tongue will swear allegiance. (Isaiah 45:22-23 CSB)

For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow - in heaven and on earth and under the earth - and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 CSB)

Every knee will bow to and every tongue will confess the true God.

Sign Of The Anointed One

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. (Isaiah 35:3-7 NIV)

John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'" At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." (Luke 7:18-23 NIV)

Salvation's Progressive Revelation

And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31 ESV)

The fundamentals do not change. It consists of 2 parts:

1. God saves.
2. If you believe that God saves, He will save you.

The first part is progressively revealed through God's Word. The second part is the principle who does not change.